Mysuru: In a major boost to the city's sporting infrastructure, the department of youth empowerment and sports (DYES) submitted a formal proposal to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda) for the development of a world-class, multi-disciplinary sports complex at Hanchya-Sathagalli. Spanning over 25.2 acres of Muda-owned land, the complex is designed to accommodate a range of sporting disciplines, including athletics, cycling, Kho Kho, volleyball, wrestling, and basketball. Key features of the proposed facility include a synthetic athletic track, an international-standard velodrome, dedicated basketball courts, and specialised academies for Kho-Kho, volleyball, and wrestling. This initiative, announced by chief minister Siddaramaiah in the recent state budget, aims to elevate Mysuru's status in the national sports arena and inspire more local youth to consider sports as a viable career. The original plan for an international cricket stadium on the site was cancelled due to the presence of a 2.28-acre waterbody. Instead of abandoning the project, DYES reimagined the space and chose to integrate the waterbody into the new plan. The rejuvenated waterbody will not only enhance the aesthetics of the complex but will also serve practical functions, including supporting ground maintenance and ecological sustainability.

Strategically located adjacent to the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Regional Centre and along the Outer Ring Road, the new sports complex will also include sports hostel accommodation and practice grounds, making it a comprehensive training and competition hub. The long-pending velodrome, originally announced in the 2023–24 state budget but delayed due to land constraints, is a key highlight of the project. With 10 to 15 acres earmarked for the velodrome, the facility will also include pump tracks and dirt tracks to support various cycling disciplines, boosting Mysuru's prominence in competitive cycling. Speaking to TOI, Bhaskar Nayak, assistant director at DYES, confirmed that the proposal was formally submitted to Muda. "The engineering team is currently conducting a land survey and valuation. Once completed, the land will be transferred to DYES for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR), which will include cost estimations. The project is in line with the Karnataka State Budget 2025-26, which has earmarked Rs 2 crore each for establishing wrestling, volleyball, and Kho-Kho academies in Mysuru," he stated. "The new complex is expected to ease the load on existing infrastructure such as Chamundi Vihar Stadium, enabling upgrades and facilitating Mysuru's emergence as a key regional centre for sports training and events," he said. With the development of this state-of-the-art facility, Mysuru is poised to become a major hub for national and international sports, providing enhanced opportunities for aspiring athletes and supporting the overall growth of the sporting ecosystem in Karnataka, officials said.

Courtesy – Times of India